Xvon Coaches Defended: Gross Abuse of 1930 Act Alleged
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RITICISMS a Mr. J. A. Whitmarsh, managing director of Avon tches, Ltd., Netheravon, by Sir told Musto, the former Western :nsing Authority, were refuted duran appeal hearing at Salisbury,
week. One of the objectors ;ribed Mr, Whitmarsh's repeated lications and appeals as " vexas " and asked the Minister of nsport to comment on "this gross se of the Act."
Non Coaches, Ltd., appealed against Western Licensing Authority's sal to' license services for troops
Netheravon to London and Birgham. The licence was granted to is and Dorset Motor Services, Ltd. Er. R. Crowther, for Avon Coaches, , described as "most unfortunare " criticism of Mr. Whitmarsh by Sir old Musto. Sir Arnold had said Mr. Whitmarsh had claimed to be ated by moral obligations to prothe Services with direct transport, reas he had operated ,solely for his benefit and profit. He had, more., neglected to provide transport n operations were unprofitable.
• r. Crowther said there was no founm for Sir Arnold's criticism. It was ai shown that Mr. Whitmarsh had d to run a coach when one man tore demanded it. A spokesman of commanding officer at Netheravon .F. camp had said that no corn plaint had ever been made of Mr. Whitmarsh's refusal to operate. Complete satisfaction was given.
Mr. A. C. Fabian Wyndeatt, for Wilts and Dorset, said that the company were instructed by the Licensing Authority to apply for the licence which they pow held. According to the Road Traffic Act, 1930, there seemed to be nothing to prevent an operator who had lost an appeal from immediately applying again for a licence. It would be of some help if the Minister would inchcate the position of Wilts and Dorset.
Mr. Whitmarsh's course of conduct could not have been pursued in a court of law and it was quite unreasonable. He was behaving in a vexatious manner and placing an intolerable burden upon succeeding Ministers, and wasting public time and money. Mr. Wyndeatt suggested that the Minister should consider whether Avon Coaches, Ltd., if they did not accept the decision on the latest appeal, should continue to hold a licence.
Mr. Wyndeatt also questioned whether, when Wilts and Dorset applied for a licence on February 4 this year, Avon Coaches, Ltd., had any right of objection, as they did not hold licences. He would like to know the Minister's view on objections under Section 72 of the 1930 Act.
The inquiry was conducted by Mr. J. M. Glen.